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Puttaparthi (Andhra Pradesh), Nov 19 (IANS) Prime Minister Narendra Modi said the life of Sri Sathya Sai Baba was the living embodiment of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam and his words continue to guide and inspire people in their daily lives.
Addressing the birth centenary celebrations of Sathya Sai Baba here on Wednesday, he said that millions of lives in more than 140 countries are moving forward with new light, new direction and new determination.
The Prime Minister said, “The life of Sri Sathya Sai Baba was the living embodiment of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam. Therefore, this birth centenary year has become for us a grand festival of universal love, peace and service.”
He said that the impact of Sathya Sai Baba’s teachings can be seen among people everywhere. He said, “Service to humanity is Madhava Seva. This is the supreme ideal for Baba’s devotees. He often used to say: Never help, never hurt. Less talk, more action. Many of his words continue to guide and inspire us in our daily lives.”
PM Modi said that it is his government’s honor that a commemorative coin and a postage stamp have also been released on this auspicious occasion. These symbolize and reflect the spirit of service embodied in the life and work of Sri Sathya Sai Baba. He extended his greetings and good wishes to all the devotees, fellow volunteers and followers of Baba across the world.
“All our diverse spiritual and philosophical traditions ultimately converge on this one ideal. Whether one follows the path of bhakti, jnana or karma, everyone is deeply connected to service. What is bhakti without service to God present in all beings? What is knowledge if it does not arouse compassion for others! What is karma if it is not done in the spirit of offering one’s work in the service of society,” he said.
“Seva Paramo Dharma: The ethos that has sustained India through centuries of change and challenges. It has given the inner strength to our civilization. Many of our great saints and reformers have carried forward this eternal message. Sri Sathya Sai Baba placed service at the center of human life. He often said love all, serve all…”
PM Modi described his participation in the celebrations in the holy land as an emotional and spiritual experience for him. “This birth centenary of Sri Sathya Sai Baba is not just a celebration for our generation; it is a divine blessing. Even though he is no longer physically present among us, his teachings, his love and his spirit of service continue to guide millions of people across the world,” said the PM, who had earlier paid homage at the Samadhi of Sathya Sai Baba.
He told how a meeting with Baba changed the lives of many people. He said, “In just one meeting, if someone’s life can be changed, it shows the greatness of that person. The lives of many people present here today have been changed by the words of Sri Sathya Sai Baba. I am happy that, with Baba’s inspiration, Sri Sathya Sai Central Trust and its partner organizations are continuing this sacred work of ‘seva’.”
He said that lakhs of Baba’s followers are engaged in this mission with complete selflessness. “To serve humanity is to serve God, and this is the highest ideal adopted by Baba’s devotees. He gave us many teachings filled with compassion, duty, discipline and a complete philosophy of life. He often said, ‘Never help, never hurt’. Even today, these life-guiding principles of Sri Sathya Sai Baba continue to resonate in the hearts of all of us. Sai Baba used spirituality as a means of social welfare and public good. He combined this with selfless service, character-building and value-based education. He never devoted his energies to promoting any one doctrine or sect, but to working tirelessly to help the poor.
PM Modi recalled that after the Gujarat earthquake, Baba’s Seva Dal and the entire community of volunteers were the first to come forward to help the victims. “His followers served with full dedication for several days. They played a vital role in delivering relief material to the affected families and providing essential material, emotional and social support.”
He said that he is satisfied that inspired by Baba, Sai Central Trust and its associated organizations are carrying forward the mission of service in a systematic, institutional and long-term manner. “Today, it stands before us as a practical and successful model. Your remarkable work in areas like drinking water, housing, health care, nutrition, disaster relief and clean energy is truly commendable.”
“Paying homage to Sri Sathya Sai Baba at Sai Kulwant Hall of Prashanti Nilayam and visited Omkar Hall for darshan. Being at these sacred places is a reminder of his immense compassion and lifelong commitment to the upliftment of humanity. His message of selfless service continues to guide and inspire millions,” the Prime Minister posted on X.
The Prime Minister also shared that among the many great works they are doing, Sri Sathya Sai Central Trust has focused a lot on animal welfare. “Today, participated in the Gaudan ceremony, in which cows are being given to farmers. The cows in the pictures below are Gir cows! May we all keep working for the welfare of our society, as shown by Sri Sathya Sai Baba.”
–IANS
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